Victoria Gate, Valletta

Victoria Gate, Valletta

Victoria Gate, located between Marina Curtain and St. Barbara Bastion, is the main entrance to Valletta from the Grand Harbour area.

Victoria Gate, located between Marina Curtain and St. Barbara Bastion, is the main entrance to Valletta from the Grand Harbour area. It was built by the British in 1885 on the site of the 16th century Del Monte Gate which had become too small for traffic, and named after Queen Victoria. It is the only preserved gate in the city walls, as the rest have been demolished in the 19th-20th century. Designed by Emanuele Luigi Galizia, the limestone bridge has 2 large arched passages for vehicular traffic, flanked by 2 narrow passages for pedestrians. The pediments of the 2 main passages feature the coat-of-arms of Malta and Valletta, while the gate is surmounted by the British coat-of-arms and Maltese flag. The architrave features a white plaque inscribed with the name 'VICTORIA GATE'.